U.S. Army Moving Fast on Renewables

Honeywell and Siemens are among 13 companies chosen by the Army Corps of Engineers to build biomass-fueled energy projects. Their selection completed the first round for all four technologies, including geothermal, solar, and wind companies.

Oct 10, 2013

The U.S. Army is on the move to achieve a congressionally required goal of obtaining 25 percent of its power generation from renewable sources by 2025. The Army Corps of Engineers recently selected 13 companies to design, build, operate, and maintain biomass-fueled energy projects at bases – completing the first round of awards for all four technologies (biomass, wind, solar, and geothermal).

"We look forward to continuing to build strong relationships with industry and our defense communities, which will help us remain a strong Army," Katherine Hammack, assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy, and environment, said recently. "We are making this announcement just as we are about to kick off October Energy Awareness = Action Month. During the month, we will recognize our outstanding partnerships with industry, promote energy leadership, uphold examples of innovation and excellence which enhance our mission capabilities, and advance a secure energy future."

According to the Army, MATOC involves third-party financed renewable energy acquisitions and involves no Army or DoD capita, or Military Construction appropriation. The Army and DOD only buy the power from contractors who own, operate, or maintain the generating assets. The estimated value of $7 billion refers to the total dollar value of energy available for purchase under all Power Purchase Agreement task orders for their entire term of up to 30 years.